SAARC nations raised concern over atmosphere for summit: MEA

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Thursday said all Saarc countries had raised concerns that it was not possible to join the Saarc Summit in Islamabad in the current atmosphere.

New Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Thursday said all Saarc countries had raised concerns that it was not possible to join the Saarc Summit in Islamabad in the current atmosphere.

"It is government's priority to promote closer cooperation and economic integration in our region. Our interest in Saarc remains intact but our concern is that the connectivity, trade -- including MFN and cooperation that Saarc requires -- and terror-free atmosphere needed for these initiatives is not there due to the actions of one country in our neighbourhood," said Swarup while briefing media persons here.

"That is why all Saarc countries wrote to the Chair, i.e. Nepal, saying in one voice that in the current atmosphere it is not possible to participate in the proposed Saarc Summit in Islamabad. We remain committed to Saarc and its principles," he added.